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LCPS is developing a school Restroom Privacy and Safety Pilot Program that supports the needs of all students and staff. This pilot program was announced in March 2023. Renovation work started earlier this year in nine schools, with all renovation work, technology installation, and testing to be completed in March 2024.

The improvement work is not eliminating traditional restrooms that are standard configurations of multi-fixture restrooms assigned specifically to boys or girls in any of our schools. The construction increases accessibility to allow students, now and in the future, a choice to utilize the multi-fixture, gender-specific restrooms or single-occupancy restrooms in all LCPS facilities. The Pilot Program improvements address the identified needs of principals, staff, students and parents, focus on student and staff safety, and address safety-related activities.

Throughout spring 2024 Pilot Program, LCPS will actively gather student feedback from the schools participating in the Pilot Program, as well as invite parent, student, staff and community feedback from all schools.

Schools participating in the Restroom Privacy and Safety Pilot Program
Nine schools are participating in the project, receiving privacy renovations and/or new sensor technology.

Five schools received renovated privacy restrooms:

• Broad Run High School

• Dominion High School

• Heritage High School

• Loudoun Valley High School

• Woodgrove High School

Three of these schools received restroom sensor technology deployed in all student-accessible restrooms in addition to the renovation:

• Dominion High School

• Heritage High School

• Loudoun Valley High School

Four schools received restroom sensor technology deployed in all student-accessible restrooms:

• Farmwell Station Middle School

• Sterling Middle School

• Park View High School

• Stone Bridge High School

The restroom sensor technology installed in seven schools uses multi-functional health, safety, and vape detection sensors; however, no personally identifiable information will be recorded. Signs will indicate the use of this sensor technology.

Sensor technology was installed in all student restrooms in pilot program schools. Sensor technology was tested after installation to ensure they function properly. No data was collected during the testing phase other than relevant to the actual functioning of the sensors. The technology itself will be monitored and designated school personnel will be notified of any disruptions the sensors detect. Schools will continue to assess responses and recommend improvements throughout the duration of the pilot program.

Sensor Technology in Multiple Fixture Restrooms
Sensors in these restrooms will alert for the following disruptions:  (Policy 8210). 

• Vaping:  The system detects all types of vape, including non-nicotine, nicotine, and marijuana (THC) based vape, and simultaneously detects smoke. (Policy 8240)

• Aggression: Sensors can detect abnormal noise levels like fights, screams, slamming doors, and other suspicious activity (Policy 8210).

• Gunshot:  Like aggression, sensors can detect abnormal noise levels like gunshots (Policy 8235). 

• Health Emergencies:  If an occupant experiences health or other distress, that person must say, “Help! Emergency!” The phrase will initiate an alert. The sensor will only recognize English.

• Tampering: The integrated digital tamper sensor will alert staff if anyone/anything touches the system. Tampering includes vandalism and disabling of the sensor by identifying vibrations and strikes to the sensor, like squirting water or items thrown at the sensor, as well as movement of the ceiling tile. (Policy 8210)

When a disruption is detected, alerts are immediate. The sensors in multi-fixture restrooms will reset after two minutes. Multi-fixture restrooms have two sensors located on either side of the room. Due to the configuration of multi-fixture restrooms and the student traffic, the sensors will not count the number of occupants. The sensors will not emit alarms or audible alerts at this time.

Sensor Technology in Single-Occupancy Restrooms
Single Occupancy Restroom sensors have thermal heat detection capability to differentiate the number of people in a restroom. In addition to the alerts noted for the multi-fixture restrooms, sensors will emit notifications when:  

• More than one person occupies the room: It is important to note single occupancy restrooms do not track movement or lack of movement. It is a heat signature sensor only.  

• Duration exceeded: When occupancy is detected, a timer begins. Should occupancy exceed five minutes, an alert will be sent accordingly. This time may be adjusted during the pilot program. 

Signs will be posted at the entrances of all student restrooms. Should you identify a student restroom that should have a sign but does not, please let the school administrator know about the oversight.  

Privacy restrooms or additional privacy stalls are being provided in five schools as part of the program to enhance restroom options for students who may need a privacy option for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to medical needs or religious needs, personal choice or convenience. 

General Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Safety and Privacy in School Restrooms - Principals and PTA